Over 1,000 young leaders from across Sri Lanka and the Maldives came together on 27 June 2026 at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo, for the 36th Rotaract District Assembly, marking the ceremonial transition of leadership for Rotaract in Rotary International District 3220 (RID 3220) – Sri Lanka & Maldives.
Held annually at the conclusion of each Rotary International year, which runs from 1 July to 30 June, the Rotaract District Assembly signifies the induction of a new Rotaract District Steering Committee while celebrating the achievements of the outgoing team. The occasion saw PHF Rtn. Rtr. PP Dr. Jude Shannon Lucian formally collared as the District Rotaract Representative for the RI Year 2026-27, leading a new term inspired by the Rotary International theme, Create Lasting Impact.
The event also celebrated a remarkable year of Redefined Service under the leadership of the outgoing District Rotaract Representative, Rtr. PP Nazmi Mahamood, and his District Steering Committee. Throughout the RI Year 2025-26, more than 4,000 active Rotaractors across 95 Rotaract Clubs in Sri Lanka and the Maldives completed more than 2,400 projects, contributing over 1,000,000 volunteer hours in service to their communities.
With representatives from all 95 clubs in attendance, the Assembly also paid tribute to the dedication of Rotaractors throughout the past Rotary year. Special recognition was accorded to the district-wide disaster relief initiatives undertaken following Cyclone Ditwah, where clubs united to provide timely humanitarian assistance to affected communities across the island, exemplifying the true spirit of Service Above Self.
Adding an international dimension to the celebration, the President of the Rotaract South Asia Multi-District Information Organization (RSAMDIO), PDRR Rtn. Rtr. PP Arun Teja Godavarthi of India, graced the occasion as the first-ever RSAMDIO President to attend a Rotaract District Assembly in RID 3220. Leading an organization that encompasses 46 member districts across eight South Asian countries, he commended the warmth and hospitality extended by Sri Lanka during his visits. Recognising the remarkable impact created by Rotaract in RID 3220 throughout the RI Year 2025-26, he congratulated the outgoing leadership for an exceptional year of service and extended his best wishes to the incoming Rotaract District Steering Committee.
Delivering the keynote address to the largest audience ever assembled for a Rotaract District Assembly in RID 3220, Executive Vice President and Group Chief Information Officer of John Keells Holdings PLC, Dr. Ramesh Shanmuganathan, shared insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Speaking on the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, he encouraged young leaders to embrace continuous learning and innovation, noting that while some traditional jobs may be replaced by AI, many new opportunities will emerge for those prepared to adapt.
As the evening drew to a close, the ceremonial transition marked not only the beginning of a new Rotary year but also a renewed commitment by thousands of young volunteers across Sri Lanka and the Maldives to continue transforming communities through service, leadership and fellowship. United behind the newly inducted District Steering Committee, Rotaract in RID 3220 now looks ahead to the RI Year 2026-27 with a shared commitment to Igniting Possibilities and Inspiring Change, while striving to Create Lasting Impact in every community it serves.
